First of all, this only applies to PSUs which

-use fan grilles, and not those which just have gaps cut in the PSU case.
-the fan grille must be outside the psu case like this


and not like this


-do not have warranty stickers on any of the fan screws

Here I'm cleaning a psu with a 80mm fan, but the size and position of the fan doesn't matter, as long as it has a grill on the outside are true. First remove 3 of the 4 screws from the PSU.


Loosen the remaining screw slightly, BUT MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT COME OUT or you'll have hell trying to screw things back. Then move the grille out of the way.


Clean the PSU with a brush or air spray, paying attention to the fan and heatsinks. Turn it upside down after you're done to let the loosened dust fall out, blow if the dust gets stuck.


Screw everything back as it was. If the fan keeps falling in when you screw, loop a piece of thread on one of the support arms (that connect the frame with the centre motor) to support the fan.


You're done! This method is relatively safe, as it will be hard to accidentally touch something in the PSU which might be electrified. Although a better job can be done if you open up the whole PSU, that would surely void your warrany.

This post has been edited by lohwenli: Jun 29 2007, 10:52 AM

Yes, I mentioned that you can use an air gun/compressed air instead of a brush. They also work even without opening the PSU, but if you open it you can be very thorough.

Its actually possible to clean thw whole PSU with this method, except for a few hard to reach places which usually don't matter. In any case, small paint brushes like the one I use pick up dust like a magnet, so all you have to do is poke it in and wriggle it around. Even if it doesn't pick it up, when you turn the psu over and blow into it all the loosened dust will fall out.

Yup, pointed that out in my first few sentences.

I thought for most PSUs its not possible to remove the fan without opening the case? And if you open the case almost guarantee koyak the warranty sticker..unless you have a special way we don't know..please share..

Thats why I mentioned must turn it over and shake, so the dust you loosened can fall out.